The New Topless Bikini

In the beginning

The topless bikini by Victoria's Secret dates back to 1964, when Rudi Gernreich introduced the original topless bathing suit. With the one-piece halter straps running between exposed breasts, it is no surprise the original style made waves at its debut. In spite of the less than positive feedback from church officials and fashion critics, consumers purchased this new fashion in record numbers that summer - although not many of them ever saw the light of day. The topless swimsuit could not seem to gain much success in the United States.

Back to the present

Recently, Victoria's Secret has created the new topless bikini in a line of bathing suits touted as "half the bikini, twice as sexy." This innovative swimwear is very fashion forward in the world of swimming attire; with such a tiny amount of fabric, this one-piece suit is actually referred to as a bikini. The new-age topless bikini features a detachable bandeau for the modest wearer who prefers some coverage. Lindsay Ellingson models this daring style in the new spring 2011 swimsuit catalog but manages to maintain a PG-13 rating.

Is it for you?

At around $68, this topless suit by Victoria's Secret is affordable when compared to other swimwear. But before you run out and buy one, figure out your vacationing schedule. These topless bikinis are perfect for the beaches in France, along the coast of the Mediterranean, or even on the shores of Vancouver, British Columbia. While some US vacation destinations, such as Miami's South Beach, do allow topless bikinis, the majority of American coastlines prohibit nudity.

If you like to be on the cutting edge of fashion, even if that fashion is a throwback to the '60s - consider a new topless bikini swimsuit by Victoria's Secret.